Nick Harkaway
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Nicholas Cornwell
Common Alias: Nick Harkaway
Birth and Death Dates
Date of Birth: November 26, 1972
Date of Death: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession(s): Novelist, Screenwriter, Journalist
Early Life and Background
Nick Harkaway, born Nicholas Cornwell, is a British author known for his imaginative storytelling and unique narrative style. He was born into a family with a rich literary heritage, being the son of the celebrated author John le Carré, whose real name was David Cornwell. Growing up in London, Harkaway was surrounded by the world of literature and espionage, which would later influence his own writing. He attended the prestigious University of Cambridge, where he studied philosophy, a discipline that would inform the thematic depth of his later works.
Major Accomplishments
Nick Harkaway has carved out a distinct niche in the literary world with his genre-blending novels that often incorporate elements of science fiction, thriller, and satire. His debut novel, "The Gone-Away World," published in 2008, was met with critical acclaim for its inventive plot and rich prose. The book established Harkaway as a fresh voice in contemporary literature, earning him a nomination for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
Following the success of his debut, Harkaway continued to captivate readers with subsequent novels such as "Angelmaker" and "Tigerman," both of which further showcased his ability to weave complex narratives with humor and insight. "Angelmaker" won the Kitschies Red Tentacle award for best novel, solidifying his reputation as a master of speculative fiction.
Notable Works or Actions
Nick Harkaway's bibliography is a testament to his versatility and creativity. "The Gone-Away World" is a post-apocalyptic tale that explores themes of identity and reality, set in a world where a mysterious event has altered the fabric of existence. "Angelmaker" follows the story of a clockmaker who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a doomsday device, blending elements of noir and steampunk. "Tigerman" is a poignant exploration of fatherhood and heroism set on a fictional island on the brink of destruction.
In addition to his novels, Harkaway has contributed essays and articles to various publications, offering insights into the craft of writing and the role of technology in modern society. His work often reflects a deep engagement with contemporary issues, from the impact of digital culture to the complexities of global politics.
Impact and Legacy
Nick Harkaway's impact on the literary world is marked by his ability to challenge and entertain readers through his innovative storytelling. His novels are celebrated for their intricate plots, vivid characters, and philosophical underpinnings, which invite readers to ponder the nature of reality and human experience. Harkaway's work has been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience and influencing a new generation of writers.
His contributions to the genre of speculative fiction have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, and his books are frequently included in discussions of modern literary achievements. Harkaway's unique voice and imaginative vision continue to inspire both readers and fellow authors, ensuring his place in the pantheon of contemporary literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nick Harkaway is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and wit. His novels often contain memorable lines that resonate with readers, capturing the essence of his themes and characters. Harkaway's insights into the human condition, coupled with his engaging narrative style, make his work a rich source of quotes that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.
His reflections on technology, identity, and society are particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing world, offering readers a lens through which to examine their own lives and the world around them. As a result, Harkaway's words continue to be shared and celebrated, cementing his status as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Quotes by Nick Harkaway
Nick Harkaway's insights on:
The devil in the detail is that Smart Crowds are fragile. With a very little adulteration, they cease to be smart at all, and become remarkably stupid, or indeed self-harming. They are susceptible to stampeding by demagogues, poisoning by bad information. They can be made afraid, and when they do they become mobs. They can be divided by scapegoating and prejudice, bought off in fragments, even just romanced by pretty faces.
Deserts are like nearly bald men having a haircut. The difference is absolutely crucial from within, but to the rest of us it’s still a dusty scrubland with little in the way of plant life.
Destiny’ is the state of perfect mechanical causation in which everything is the consequence of everything else. If choice is an illusion, what’s life? Consciousness without volition. We’d all be passengers, no more real than model trains.
It is known, among coppers and criminals alike, that society can be policed only because it consents. When the burden of law or government is too great, or too oppressive, or when economic need or famine breaks the normal course of life, there simply are not – can never be – enough coppers to hold the line.
Gonzo’s father told his son to grieve without reservation or embarrassment until he could grieve solemnly and inwardly, and then finally to hang up his tears and wear them only occasionally, as befits the true men of the heart. Grief is not a thing to be ashamed of or suppressed, he told Gonzo. Nor yet is it a thing to cherish. Feel it, inhabit it and leave it behind. It is right, but it is not the end.
Lights burn on the upper floors, traders and analysts letting commerce take precedence over family one more time in a desperate attempt to add to a Christmas bonus they won’t have time to spend.
Joseph has no great hatred of modern technology – he just mistrusts the effortless, textureless surfaces and the ease with which it trains you to do things in the way most convenient to the machine. Above all, he mistrusts duplication. A rare thing becomes a commonplace thing. A skill becomes a feature. The end is more important than the means. The child of the soul gives place to a product of the system.
His perceptions of copperhood were formed by the dream of England, still. A copper was a bloke in a slightly silly hat who walked the beat, talked to shopkeepers about the price of fish, and sorted out young ruffians. You didn’t attack him. It was like attacking a field of wheat, and anyway, you’d have to answer to his mum.
Finance by itself is ruthless, and that ruthlessness is its salvation. The real disasters are only possible when you bring politics into it, because politics is about pretending to care.